This Saturday is the deadline to comment on a proposal that would expand mining on Methodist Mountain and force the relocation of the Solstice trail.
Will you join us in telling the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that mining expansion shouldn’t destroy or degrade one of our most beloved trails?
To weigh in on this proposal:
1) Go to https://go.usa.gov/xf5TN
2) Click “Documents” to read the Environment Assessment
3) Click “Participate Now” to submit your comments.
(see sample comment at the bottom of this email)
This Saturday (8/14) is the deadline to comment. These are your public lands. Make your voice heard today!
More Background
Hard Rock Paving & Redi-Mix, Inc., has asked BLM to approve a 62-acre expansion on BLM land, which would more than double the size of their existing mining operation. In response, BLM presented three options. Alternative A would engulf part of Solstice. Alternative B would bring mining within 30 feet of the trail. For reference, here’s 30 feet from the trail looks like:
Alternative C (no mining expansion) is the only one that would ensure no damage to Solstice. As a result, of the three alternatives, this is SMT’s preferred outcome.
SMT would support a modified version of Alternative B that permits some expansion only if such a proposal guaranteed no disruption to or degradation of Solstice by including a buffer of at least 200 feet between the trail and expansion boundary. At present, Alternative B provides only a 30-foot buffer.
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To weigh in on this proposal:
1) Go to https://go.usa.gov/xf5TN
2) Click “Documents” to read the Environment Assessment
3) Click “Participate Now” to submit your comments.
SAMPLE COMMENT (copy/paste and personalize)
Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office:
I urge you to not approve any mining expansion that would degrade the safety and quality of the Solstice trail, or force it to relocate.
[SAY WHY SOLSTICE IS IMPORTANT TO YOU]
I stand with Salida Mountain Trails in the belief that some expansion is possible without negatively impacting Solstice. However, of the three options presented by BLM, only Alternative C currently meets the criteria.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]